I'll hop in here on the back of oldoarsman, who evokes the joy of a good crew working together

I used to be really skinny. I didn't pass 140 pounds until I was 40 yo. At 14 yo, I was everyone's favourite coxwain, steering my school crews but also in demand for adult crews because I loved the sport and learned the currents, for most Northern English regattas. Won a lot of them - ok, I was the passenger but to some extent I controlled the accelerator and the steeering wheel, and I was usually invited back.

Suggesting '20 more just now' to get a length and send dirty water back just before a tight bend, when the crew responds and almost lifts the boat every stroke. Blimey, true joy

Rowed a bit, got Novices, Senior C, Senior B tankards. What a great sport